Taking your beloved pup for a walk is a great way to get in some exercise and enjoy nature…in theory.
In reality, some dogs aren’t quite as fond of a gentle stroll as their owners, so the experience can be a little more frustrating as you deal with a leash puller or a dawdler who’s much too keen on stopping to smell the roses (and the telegraph poles, and the bushes, and just about every other object they encounter).
That doesn’t mean that you should give up on walking entirely, or resign yourself to constantly tugging on the leash and worrying about whether you’re hurting your darling pet. All you need to do is invest in the right equipment, and in this case, that’s a high quality dog harness.
BEST DOG HARNESS GUIDE
Whether you’re after a harness that will stop your dog from pulling, one that’s budget-friendly, or a style that will look super cute in your #dogstagram pics, we’ve rounded up our picks of the top-rated options to purchase online for pups of every shape and size.
BEST NO-PULL DOG HARNESS
Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness, Amazon Australia, $30.99
This Rabbitgoo no-pull harness has amassed a 4.6 out of five-star average rating from shoppers on Amazon. Slip it on over your dog’s head and buckle it up, then adjust the neck and chest straps for the perfect fit. Use the chest attachment clip to stop your dog from pulling on walks, or the back clip for casual walks. Padded for comfort and with reflective strips, it’s safe and available in four sizes and plenty of colours.
“This harness has really helped minimise the amount my dog pulls on the lead when we walk,” wrote one reviewer. “He pretty much stops pulling completely if I use the chest ring to clip the lead on. He still pulls a bit when the lead is clipped on the back, but he doesn’t sound like he is choking as much as he did with his previous so called “no pull” lead. It is much more comfortable as it is generously padded.”
Puppia Soft Harness, $44.97-$59.97, Pet Circle
My colleague Stephanie bought this hardness in black for her border collie Buzz many years ago and it, and Buzz, are still going strong. It’s super easy to get on and off. Just slip it on and off over you pooches head, the strap goes around their tummy and then secure it using the plastic clip.
Mog & Bone Neoprene Harness, $36.95 - $49.95, The Iconic
If you are looking for a larger harness, this one from Mog & Bone is a good option. It is made from water-resistant neoprene with adjustable nylon straps. It has a mesh lining to keep things comfortable on the inside and also comes in a navy check pattern.
Sporn Mesh Harness, Petstock, from $34.99
Designed to curb “moderate to heavy leash pullers”, this Sporn harness features an elasticised mesh chest piece that moves with your dog to gently control them without choking. Padded restraint sleeves add extra comfort under the front legs, and the one-piece design is easy to put on and take off.
“I was dubious about the claim on the packaging…but was desperate to get my nine month old puppy to stop pulling hard on the leash during his walks,” a five-star reviewer commented. “His walking behaviour changed instantly when I put the harness on him. He is now a ‘loose leash’ walker and I couldn’t be happier.”
BEST PATTERNED DOG HARNESS
Coco & Pud Reversible Dog Harness, Hard to Find, $49.95
If you’re after big, bold prints, these reversible harnesses from Coco & Pud offer two designs in one. Choose from floral blooms, walk on the wild side, summer sunrise, vintage garden, or adventure – each one is lightweight and durable, with a fully adjustable chest strap and sturdy D-ring lead attachment, and comes in sizes from XXS to XL.
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY DOG HARNESS
Zenify Pets Dog Harness, Amazon Australia, $10.95
If you’re after an affordable dog harness, it doesn’t get much cheaper than this option from Zenify. It has two adjustable straps and chest support for dogs who are prone to pulling. The quick-dry breathable material is ideal for warm climates, and the grab handle allows for added control. Choose from a range of sizes and colours.
Reviewers say it offers great value for the price, with one writing, “Got two of these for my border collies and they are great. Beat other brands at three or four times the price. Build quality is top notch, fitting is great and it goes on and off really easily compare to other harnesses which are a pain to put on for your pup”.
BEST HEADCOLLAR DOG HARNESS
Sporn Head Halter Black, Petstock, from $34.99
Designed for heavy to extreme leash pullers, the Sporn head halter uses gentle guidance targeted at the withers (between your dog’s shoulders) rather than the face. Thickly padded to provide comfort, it can convert to a standard collar once your dog adjusts to the pull-control.
One reviewer said “it really works” for their large dog, adding, “I originally bought him a harness to deal with his pulling and it helped a bit but not enough, then I bought I a zero shock lead and this head halter. He doesn’t pull at all now it’s amazing. I can actually take him on way longer walks because my arm doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall off”.
BEST DOG HARNESS FOR CAR
EzyDog Chest Plate Dog Harness, Petstock, from $42.99
This EzyDog harness comes with a free seat belt attachment for safer car trips. The EVA foam chest support moulds to the shape of your dog’s body and absorbs impact and vibration for comfort. Easy to fit and adjust, it has reflective webbing for low-light walks. Choose from five sizes and three colours.
“The straps don’t dig in to him, and the chest plate holds nicely,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “Easy to adjust, colours don’t rub off or fade. EzyDog is always our go-to, and this proves again that they are the superior brand!”
WHAT IS THE MOST COMFORTABLE HARNESS FOR DOGS?
In general, most harnesses are super comfortable for dogs to wear. For extra comfort, opt for one that is padded and that has lead attachments on multiple points to allow you to adjust to whichever position best suits your pup.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A HARNESS FOR MY DOG?
Here’s what to think about when making your purchase:
• Lead attachment point: Front attachment points are ideal for dogs prone to pulling, and clips on their backs are great for casual walks.
• Padding: Padded harnesses are more comfortable for longer walks.
• Style: You can get step-in, overhead, or clip-on harnesses for dogs. Choose depending on your dog’s size (and their patience!).
• Adjustability: Especially important for young dogs that are still growing – ensure the harness can be adjusted with straps to make the perfect fit.
IS IT BETTER TO USE A HARNESS OR COLLAR?
Harnesses are generally a safer and more comfortable option for walking dogs. They spread out the pressure from the leash across your dog’s body rather than focusing it on their necks, plus they make it easier to control your dog if you’re walking somewhere busy with lots of distractions.
Love your pets but no so fond of the allergies they trigger? Check out the best air purifiers to free your home from pet dander. Plus, clean up any stray fur with our roundup of the best stick vacuum cleaners.
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Originally published as Best dog harnesses to keep your pup companion safe
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